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Comr. Muhammad Umar Abba, Abbaganaram Railway taminus, Maiduguri (2025)

05/09/2025

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, in his commitment to aligning with global climate action, has continued to provide exemplary leadership in Borno State. As part of his efforts, he has introduced electric and CNG vehicles to promote clean energy and sustainable transportation. Most recently, the Governor constructed a world-class electric charging terminal in Maiduguri l the largest of its kind in the North-East.

04/09/2025

Press Release

Earlier today, at the National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Dr. Ali Bukar Dalori, received in audience delegates of the former National Working Committee members (NWC) of the party in his office.

The visit was marked by warm exchanges and constructive deliberations on issues bordering on party unity, internal cohesion, and the consolidation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Hon. Dr. Dalori, while welcoming the delegates, commended their past contributions to the growth and stability of the party. He emphasized the importance of collective experience, institutional memory, and continued collaboration between past and present party leaders in order to strengthen the APC ahead of future elections.

He further reiterated his unwavering commitment to promoting unity, inclusiveness, and progress within the party, stressing that the APC remains the platform of hope and development for Nigerians.

The meeting ended on a cordial note, with both parties expressing readiness to work together in the overall interest of the party and the nation.

04/09/2025

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

VP Shettima: President Tinubu Remains Committed To Diversifying Nigeria’s Economy

*As FG mulls task team to conceptualize, operationalize Good Architecture in Nigeria

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to diversifying the Nigerian economy, describing him as a leader with the political will to take bold decisions.

This is just as the Federal Government has mulled a task team to conceptualise and operationalise good architecture in Nigeria in the bid to standardise the country’s architectural framework.

Speaking on the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to diversify the nation's economy today at the Presidential Villa, VP Shettima cited the President's recent trip to Brazil which resulted in the signing of five Memmoranda of Understanding covering aviation, foreign affairs, science and technology, and agriculture, saying these were deliberate and intentional steps by the President in diversifying the nation's economy.

The Vice President stated this on Thursday when he received a delegation from the Nigerian Economic Society (NES) led by its President, Prof. Adeola Adenikinju, on a courtesy visit.

"In President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, you have an ally, a friend who grew up in the same ecosystem as you, who speaks your language of business and commerce, who understands the economic terrain, and most importantly, who has the political courage,” the VP noted.

VP Shettima observed that while the world is now in a knowledge-driven post-industrial age, the current government and relevant stakeholders are "in a unique position" to turn Nigeria’s potential into "demographic dividends."

He stressed that Nigeria is also in a unique position to fill global talent gaps for many reasons, including "our youthful population."

Referencing top African unicorns domiciled in Nigeria, VP Shettima said Nigerians have the intellectual know-how, capacity, and versatility to economically reposition the country by leveraging President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

Describing the NES as one of the oldest organizations in Nigeria's economic ecosystem, Vice President Shettima solicited the society’s support for the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He urged the body to come up with more robust solutions to Nigeria's challenges, assuring them that the President Tinubu administration is open to their input and "perspectives on diversifying the nation's economy."

Speaking earlier, the President of NES, Prof. Adenikinju, applauded the economic reforms of the administration of President Tinubu, describing it as bold, profound and yielding results.

He pledged the NES’s firm support for the Tinubu administration’s efforts and policies and offered to serve, if integrated, in the Federal Government’s economic management team as well as relevant committees and bodies saddled with development and economic planning responsibilities.

Prof. Adenikinju said for the administration to consolidate gains recorded in the economy, government must be intentional about the reactivation of the Economic Intelligence Unit in the presidency to provide evidence-based advisory for the President.

He also announced plans to confer the society’s highest award, ‘Fellow of the Nigerian Economic Society (FNES)’ on Vice President Shettima at its forthcoming national conference on September 9 in Abuja.

The NES delegation also included former President of the Society, Prof. Sarah Anyanwu; Council members, Dr Rislanudeen Muhammad and Dr Idris M. Idris; Chairman of NES Abuja chapter, Dr Peter Agunloye; SA to the NES President, Dr Justin Amase, and Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee of the conference, Lady Nonye Ndidi, among others.

FG Mulls Task Team To Conceptualize, Operationalise Good Architecture In Nigeria

Meanwhile, the Federal Government is considering constituting a presidential task team for the conceptualization and operationalization of good architecture in Nigeria.

This was one of the requests made on Thursday by a delegation from the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) led by its President, Arc. Mobolaji Adealo Adeniyi, during a courtesy visit to the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, in his office at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Institute also named the Vice President as Nigeria’s Champion of Good Architecture to elevate design as a national priority as well as a vehicle for unlocking economic potential.

Speaking during a meeting with the NIA delegation, Senator Shettima assured the NIA of the support of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the President is a dependable ally who is ready to work collectively to move Nigeria forward.

“I want to assure you that all your requests are hereby granted. I want to assure you that in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu you have a very, very formidable ally with whom we can work collectively to catapult our nation.

“We have more than ten thousand architects in this country; we have people with the experience, with the exposure and technical knowledge to add value,” he stated.

Urging Nigerian Architects to support the current administration, VP Shettima described President Tinubu as “a compassionate leader who won’t even want to hurt a fly. But leadership requires taking hard decisions, and I believe that in the fullness of time, posterity will be kind to him.”

The VP continued: “I want to implore you to support the government. We will, in turn, reciprocate by supporting you, by involving you because expertise is not something you can buy in the market place. Experience, skills are things that you have to learn and earn at a price.

“Together, we can make this country a great nation. What binds us together supersedes whatever that divides us. If this country succeeds, the black man can hold his head high in the gathering of the black.”

Earlier, President of the NIA and leader of the delegation, Arc. Adeniyi, said the reasons for their visit were to share the vision and mission of good architecture in Nigeria and its role in delivering not only the Renewed Hope mandate of the Tinubu administration but the all-round attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals for the country.

She noted that “architecture embodies not just the physical structure but a representation of our culture, society, and ways of life and other concepts of human lives, most especially in today’s contemporary world.

“Good architecture propels societal progress. When we design and deploy good architecture it positively impacts society and those who live in our cities and use our buildings in schools, hospital, airports, rail stations, factories, homes, markets, tourist resorts, green recreation areas among others,” Mrs. Adeniyi added.

She highlighted some of the challenges in the sector to include increasing departure from architectural design standards and specifications in the construction and oversight functions for buildings, paucity of locally manufactured building materials, lack of up-to-date expertise and capacity for advanced buildings, supply chain constraints as well as sub-standard or poor-quality building materials.

Arc. Adeniyi urged the Vice President to be the country’s “Champion of Good Architecture, to elevate design as a national priority and making architecture the bridge between aspirations and a reality.

She also invited the Vice President to its 65th Annual General Meeting on November 26, 2025 under the theme “Architectural Excellence for Economic Resilience,” revealing that VP Shettima would be conferred with the Honorary Fellowship of the Institute.

Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications
(Office of The Vice President)
4th September, 2025

02/09/2025

Zulum Celebrates VP Shettima At 59, Calls Him A Mentor

A mentor at 59, Congratulations Your Excellency!

On behalf of myself, the Government, and the people of Borno State, I extend heartfelt birthday felicitations to His Excellency Vice President Kashim Shettima as he celebrates his 59th birthday.

Mr Vice President, sir, your mentorship has shaped countless leaders across Borno, the Northeast, and beyond. Your leadership traits, vision, integrity, and commitment to service have guided us through challenges and inspired our generation to strive for excellence.

Your humility remains a hallmark of truly great stewardship, reminding us that true leadership serves the people with grace and patience. Your intellectual prowess has consistently informed sound policy, strategic decisions, and thoughtful dialogue that elevate our national discourse.

Your Excellency, I, the people of Borno, and indeed Nigeria, are immensely proud of the trajectory of your public service. From your formative years in public life as a Commissioner, to your tenure as Governor and later doubling as Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, to your time as a Senator, and now in your capacity as Vice President, you have demonstrated a steadfast dedication to the advancement and unity of our country.

May this birthday be a reflection of the lives you have touched and the enduring impact you continue to have. Wishing you sound health, continued wisdom, and many more years of service and national progress.

Once again, Happy Birthday! Your Excellency!

Sign:

Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, mni, CON, FNSE
Executive Governor of Borno State and Chairman, Northeast Governors Forum.

02/09/2025

Gaskiya Tahaifi Nagarta ✊️

30/08/2025

North-East Governors Converge on Jalingo for 12th Forum Meeting

Ahead of the 12th meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF), the Chairman of the Forum and Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, alongside his fellow governors, was hosted to a dinner and gala night by the Governor of Taraba State, His Excellency Dr. Agbu Kefas.

The event, held on Friday evening at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Jalingo, served as a prelude to the formal meeting and was attended by their Excellencies the Governors of the North-East states: Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, and Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State.

The evening featured vibrant cultural displays, music, and performances by traditional and contemporary groups from Taraba and across the North-East region, showcasing the area's rich cultural heritage.

In his remarks, the NEGF Chairman, Governor Zulum, expressed his profound appreciation to Governor Kefas and the people of Taraba State for their exceptional hospitality and the refreshing welcome extended to the delegates.

"This evening’s cultural display and the spirit of camaraderie have perfectly set the tone for what we anticipate will be a highly productive meeting," Zulum stated.

According to him, deliberations will focus on strengthening unity and addressing the pressing issues of insecurity, poverty, and infrastructure deficits within our region.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Governor Agbu Kefas emphasised the critical importance of regional solidarity. He stressed that a united front and a strong bond of brotherhood are essential for tackling the common challenges confronting the North-East.

“The Forum provides a vital platform for us to develop collaborative strategies that will promote sustainable peace, accelerate development, and ensure shared prosperity for all our people,” Kefas noted.

The 12th North-East Governors’ Forum meeting is scheduled to commence at 10:00am today, Saturday, at the Taraba State Government House, Jalingo.

27/08/2025

: Hon. Mala Tijjani Ngala, FMM has joined the Commissioner of Ministry for Works and Housing, Hon. Engr. Mustapha Gubio in inspection some ongoing construction of projects within the Maiduguri.

26/08/2025

GOVERNOR BABAGANA UMARA ZULUM AT 56: THE BORNO MODEL AND THE IMPERATIVE OF SUPPORT

Professor Christopher Chinedumuije

Today, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum turns 56. His birthday comes at a time when his leadership is once again under intense scrutiny. In the past few days, criticisms have been directed at him, particularly concerning the reintegration of repentant combatants in Borno State. Yet, it is in moments like these that we must rise above surface-level reactions and examine with clarity, depth, and independence the substance of his leadership, the intentions behind his policies, and the promise of the Borno Model.

FEW LEADERS in contemporary Nigeria bear the weight of responsibility that Governor Zulum carries. Governing Borno is not just about politics; it is about standing at the epicenter of one of Africa’s most devastating humanitarian and security crises. In this landscape of displacement, destruction, and despair, Zulum has consistently displayed courage, accessibility, and sincerity of purpose.

What distinguishes him is not perfection—no leader is immune from shortcomings—but his unwavering commitment to the people of Borno. He has dared to innovate, to try what others would not, and to pioneer governance strategies that blend the imperatives of security, development, and humanitarian response.

THE HALLMARK of Governor Zulum’s leadership is his embrace of non-kinetic approaches to conflict resolution. This is not merely an administrative choice—it is a recognition of the limits of force in ending cycles of armed violence. Military operations may degrade insurgent capacity, but it is governance, reconciliation, education, livelihoods, and community resilience that ultimately sustain peace.

This framework, now widely referred to as the BORNO MODEL, holds great promise. It integrates humanitarian action with long-term development strategies and recognizes that the human and social dimensions of conflict cannot be ignored. For scholars of disaster management and humanitarian studies, this approach resonates with tested global peacebuilding frameworks where communities move from emergency to recovery through deliberate investments in human dignity, reintegration, and socio-economic empowerment.

ONE OF THE LOUDEST criticisms against Governor Zulum concerns the reintegration of repentant combatants. Many forget that a significant number of these individuals were initially forcefully conscripted by insurgents. Their reintegration is not an indulgence but a strategic necessity. Without it, the cycle of violence is destined to continue.

In my professional journey, I have had the privilege of engaging with over 1,000 repentant combatants at both the Bulumkutu Interim Care Centre (BICC) and the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri, where I led centre-based rehabilitation initiatives. From these direct encounters, it became clear that the real challenge is not the rehabilitation process itself—which has recorded considerable progress—but the community reintegration phase.

This phase is hampered by systemic deficiencies: inadequate financing, limited livelihood opportunities, weak community support structures, and persistent stigma. These are not failures of Governor Zulum’s leadership; they are the outcomes of broader structural and financing gaps that require the intervention of both the Federal Government and the international community.

WHY ZULUM MUST BE SUPPORTED, NOT CASTIGATED:

It is both unfair and counterproductive to castigate Governor Zulum for structural problems beyond the scope of his state’s limited resources. What Borno needs at this critical juncture is not blame but solidarity. Supporting Zulum is synonymous with supporting Nigeria’s fight against insurgency and armed violence. His model, though imperfect, is the most coherent pathway to peace we have seen in the last decade.

Critics must also recognize that Governor Zulum has not shied away from confronting insurgency through military collaboration when necessary. His approach is a hybrid—securing lives with force when unavoidable, but investing in non-kinetic solutions for lasting stability. That balance is what Nigeria needs in the broader fight against insecurity.

AS WE REFLECT on Governor Zulum’s 56th birthday, I call on the Federal Government and the international community to be far more intentional in supporting Borno State. Funding for reintegration, community resilience, psychosocial support, and livelihood interventions must be sustained. The global community cannot treat Borno as a footnote in the global security discourse—it is a frontline in the war against extremism, one whose lessons will shape peacebuilding strategies across the Sahel and beyond.

The Borno Model must be seen not as an experiment of one man but as a beacon of what is possible when courage meets innovation. Governor Zulum has done his part by demonstrating vision and political will. Now, it is up to Nigeria and the international community to rally behind him.

CONCLUSIVELY, On his 56th birthday, I join millions to celebrate Governor Babagana Umara Zulum—not just for who he is, but for what he represents. He is a reminder that even in the harshest conditions, leadership can be courageous, innovative, and people-centered.

History will not judge him by the noise of today’s criticisms but by the long-term impact of his vision for a peaceful and restored Borno. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that vision is not left to falter.

Happy 56th Birthday, Governor Zulum. May the promise of the Borno Model be fulfilled in our lifetime.

Professor Christopher Chinedumuije,
Professor of Disaster Management and Humanitarian

26/08/2025

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

President Tinubu Orders Immediate Ban Of Raw Shea Nut Export

*Nigeria's shea value will generate $300m annually in short term, says VP Shettima

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a 6-month temporary ban on the export of raw shea nut to curb informal trade, boost local processing, protect and grow Nigeria’s shea industry.

The ban, which is with immediate effect, is subject to review on expiration and specifically aimed at boosting Nigeria’s shea value chain to generate around $300 million annually in the short term.

Vice President Kashim Shettima who announced the president's directive on Tuesday during a multi-stakeholder meeting at the Presidential Villa, called on the Federal Ministry of Finance and other relevant government agencies to fast-track enforcement.

Speaking further on the directive, the Vice President said the decision was not “an anti-trade policy but a pro-value addition policy designed to secure raw materials for our processing factories and enabling industries run at full capacity thereby boosting rural income and jobs for our people.”

He added that the decision “will transform Nigeria from an exporter of raw shea nut to a global supplier of refined shea butter, oil and other derivatives,” just as he said it is about industrialisation, rural transformation, gender empowerment and expanding Nigeria’s global trade footprint.”

On opportunities for job creation and income generation, the Vice President said, “Nigeria produces nearly 40% of the global shea product, yet we account for only 1% of the market share of $6.5 billion.

“This is unacceptable. We are projected to earn about $300 million annually in the short term, and by 2027, there will be a 10-fold increase. This is our target.”

VP Shettima explained that the ban was a collective decision involving the sub-nationals and the Federal Government with clear directions for economic transformation in the overall interest of the nation.

“Government is not closing doors; we are opening opportunities. Mr President is currently in Brazil, and both countries have agreed to prioritize access for Nigerian shea butter and oil into the Brazilian market. This process will be completed within the next 3 months,” the VP added.

The Vice President further highlighted the gender dimension of the policy, noting that “by protecting the shea industry, we are protecting livelihoods, dignity and opportunity for millions of our women.

“We are not closing doors, we are opening better ones. Today, we plant the seeds of an industry that will yield fruit for decades to come for our women, for our economy, and for Nigeria’s place in global trade.”

Earlier, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, who explained how the nation stands to benefit from the ban, regretted that despite being the world’s largest producer of shea nuts, contributing nearly 40 percent of global supply, Nigeria captures less than one percent of the multi-billion-dollar global shea economy.

He said, “Nigeria produces an estimated 350,000 metric tonnes of shea annually across 30 states, with the potential to reach nearly 900,000 metric tonnes. Yet our share of the 6.5-billion-dollar global market is less than one percent.

“The Rapid Assessment of the Shea Value Chain, conducted by the PFSCU, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and in close collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, provided the evidence that shaped this Presidential directive.”

According to the Minister, the assessment showed that over 90,000 metric tonnes of raw shea are lost each year in informal cross-border trade, even as Nigeria’s “processors operate at only 35 to 50 percent capacity despite a national installed capacity of 160,000 metric tonnes.”

Senator Kyari further explained that while “regional neighbours such as Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Togo have already imposed restrictions to protect their industries,” Nigeria is vulnerably left “as the outlier and a hotspot for opportunistic and unregulated buying.

Underscoring the enormous potential of the shea trade for Nigeria, the Minister noted that the shea sector “could generate more than 300 million dollars annually in the short term and position Nigeria to capture a significant share of the projected 9-billion-dollar global market by 2030.

“Shea is one of the few commodities where our country holds both a comparative and absolute advantage. With over five million hectares of wild-growing shea trees, Nigeria has the natural endowment to dominate not only in production but also in value-added processing.

“Shea is also identified in our Zero Oil Plan as a strategic non-oil export. With a projected global market growth from 6.5 billion dollars today to 9 billion dollars by 2030, Nigeria can position itself at the heart of this expansion,” Kyari noted.
The Minister further noted that since 90 percent of pickers and processors of shea are women, investment in this value chain would directly translate into women’s empowerment, rural job creation, and sustainable livelihoods.

This, he said, aligns with the Tinubu administration’s focus on women empowerment and the pledge by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security “not only to support the rural population but also to create a pathway for national economic development.”

Senator Kyari continued: “The reasons for this presidential directive are clear. Without corrective action, Nigeria risked becoming a raw depot for opportunistic and illicit buyers, undermining our processors’ capacities, disempowering rural women, and forfeiting billions in potential export revenues.

“The PFSCU rapid assessment, which engaged over 2,000 pickers and 65 processors, confirmed the urgent need for action. Informal exports, estimated at 90,000 metric tonnes annually, are draining our domestic supply.

“With neighbours like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Togo already restricting raw exports, Nigeria risked being left as the region’s raw depot. The benefits of the temporary ban are equally compelling.

“It will secure domestic supply, enable processors to operate at full capacity, curb informal trade, and lay the foundation for Nigeria to transition from exporting raw kernels to exporting high-value derivatives such as butter, olein, and stearin.”

Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications
(Office of The Vice President)
26th August, 2025

26/08/2025

Media Aides Celebrates Zulum at 56, As Deputy Gov Kadafur Unveils 6th Verdict

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum’s media aides, alongside social media associates, have released the 6th verdict to commemorate his 56th birthday on Monday.

The 6th verdict is a compendium of published news reports and analysis, features, columns, commentaries, discourses, editorials, selected speeches, and an updated scorecard for the sixth year of Governor Zulum's administration, from May 29, 2024, to May 29, 2025.

The Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur, performed the unveiling at his council chamber in Maiduguri.

The latest compendium is the sixth in the series, with the first, “First Verdict,” launched in August 2020.

The compendium was initiated by Zulum’s late spokesperson, Malam Isa Gusau, who assembled a team to work all year round for the compilation. The team collates and compiles published news and media discourses, policies, and programmes during the tenure of Professor Babagana Umara Zulum to document history and the process of governance.

The 6th verdict, which is a 260-page document, has 21 sections and a scorecard showcasing the achievements of Governor Zulum in his sixth year in office.

The education section contains 12 news stories and 1 analysis showcasing Zulum’s educational reforms in terms of establishing new schools and housing, scholarships, increasing school enrolment and collaborations.

The healthcare-related section has 4 news articles on critical interventions by the Zulum administration on primary healthcare, medical workers’ welfare, human capital development, and healthcare management.

27 news articles and 1 news commentary chronicled Prof Umara Zulum’s intervention in terms of security operations and patrol vehicles, logistics, welfare, and collaboration to tackle resurgence and build resilience.

Two newspaper editorials from different news media highlight some of Zulum’s policies and projects.

The 6th verdict also comprises sectors showcasing Zulum’s activities in Resettlement and reconstruction, Agriculture, Water Resources and environment, Transport, Infrastructure and energy, Religion, Culture, Festivities and special Moments, Budget, economic planning and commerce, The Workforce (Appointments, Civil Service and vocations), and The First Lady and women Affairs.

Other publications are Governance & Zulum’s ‘Unusual’ Approach, The Deputy Governor, Witness to Service Delivery, Politics, Honours, Tributes & Special Occasions, Foreign, Inter-Governmental & Partnership, Maiduguri Flood Disaster 2024, North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) and Some Sayings of Zulum.

The occasion was attended by the Acting Chief of Staff, who is also the publisher of the compendium, the Commissioners of Works and Housing, Engr Mustapha Gubio and that of Women Affairs, Hajjiya Zuwaira Gambo, and the Deputy Chief of Staff, Alhaji Haruna Tela.

Present at the event were the Special Adviser on Livestock Development, Alhaji Tijjani Goni, Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Borno State, Abdulkarim Haruna, and many senior government officials.

Comr. Muhammad Umar Abba

05/09/2025

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